Set in present-day Paris, Golem seeks to find modern meanings in the biblical text of Ruth and its commentary on the theme of exile. The film draws on references found in the Spanish Kabbalistic story of the Golem as a spirit of exile and wanderers. Hannah Schygulla plays the other-wordly spirit conjured from earth and clay. The impressive cast includes an array of international actors and directors (with cameos by Sam Fuller, Bernardo Bertolucci, Mireille Perrier, Philippe Garrel, Fabiene Babe) as well as actors from Peter Brooks’s ensemble and dancers from Pina Bausch’s company. The superlative cinematography, at times referencing silent techniques, is by the legendary Henri Alekan, noted for his camerawork on films by Jean Renoir, Abel Gance, Jean Cocteau, and Wim Wenders.